Philippine troops have rescued three Vietnamese sailors abducted by a group of Islamist militants nine months ago in a dangerous southern waters near the Malaysian border.

According to Filipino media, the troops were able to track down the bandits and launch the rescue operation near Kang Tipayan Island in the Sulu archipelago.

They also recovered the remains of another Vietnamese sailor who had died in captivity.

The Vietnamese sailors will soon be reunited with their families in Vietnam.

The victims were all crew members of Vietnamese vessel Giang Hai, and were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf bandits in February.

Of the 17 crew members on board, two were killed while attempting to escape and ten were rescued by Filipino troops, while the remaining four were taken hostage.

– with other agencies